Virtual Visions
Peter J. Sucy
A pioneer in the fields of digital art and digital photography, Peter adopted the Macintosh computer as an artistic tool in 1984. MacPaint was his only graphics tool at first, but he added a primitive photo scanner the following year, and began editing his photos in B&W, with MacPaint. He foresaw what adding color would mean for the future of photography.
An original member of Kodak's Electronic Photography Division, Peter was an early advocate of digital (PC-based) photography. He used his Mac and desktop publishing tools to push his then controversial digital proposals, against the prevailing wisdom that video was the future of photography.
Peter designed a number of Kodak's first consumer digital software/hardware products. Several thermal printer drivers he suggested, designed and helped develop, substantially increased printer and media sales.
A patent he authored, made previewing digital camera images possible. This was the method of generating a thumbnail, and the thumbnail image format, used by all digital cameras and phones today.
The Center for Creative Imaging, opened in Camden, Maine in 1991, was the result of Peter’s suggestion to fund a digital imaging training center. He was hired by Professional Photography as their first digital imaging instructor.
Throughout his career at Kodak, Peter combined his technical competence with his artistic and photographic sensibilities to great affect, be it designing sample prints for trade shows, designing software and user interfaces, architecting or illustrating complex systems, problem solving, teaching or using his personal art to connect with customers.
Later in his career he consulted for Dynamic Imaging, Kodak's lenticular division, and brought 3D modeling and digital photography tools to bear on the process of creating 3D and animated lenticular artworks for advertising clients.
It was this final role, which resulted in his finding the perfect medium for his own, very personal, 3D modeled artworks. A passion of his for more than 30 years. Peter left Kodak in 2001 to pursue a career as a 3D lenticular artist and photographer.
